Imagine you live in Florida and your elderly mother in North Carolina, you know she isn’t eating right so you sign her up for Meals on Wheels. Would you be comfortable knowing the person delivering the meals was not properly screened beforehand? Not many people would, no one likes to think volunteers would do harm but unfortunately it happens. The head of Meals on Wheels in North Carolina understands this but received a different reaction from volunteers when integrating a new background screening policy.
The new policy applies to all volunteers, including those already serving. Instead of accepting the new requirements multiple volunteers revolted and quit. Although the organization recognizes its volunteers as the “backbone” of Meals on Wheels, it also acknowledges being responsible for the safety of the recipients. When speaking on the matter, the organization’s Aging Director for Jackson County defended the decision, explaining the change will ultimately improve the organization.
This story is a great example of why many companies tip-toe around policy changes. An employer may not be able to predict behavior but there is a way to achieve your 2014 goals without half your staff quitting on you. It’s no secret many people oppose change but it’s hard to argue with change when it is handled in the right manner. By following these steps, integrating a new policy can be painless and effective.
- Create the policy: Be clear. (Will you screen new and old employees?)
- Give warning: Inform current staff before implementing policy.
- Delegate: Decide who will take on the extra duties.
- Take precautions: Ensure privacy is a priority. (This is a common fear with sensitive information.)
- Be transparent: Explain how it will work and why it’s necessary. (Answer any questions or concerns.)
Once your new policy is in place, let Active Screening help you further by making your screening process quick and easy with our paperless solutions. For more resources on screening or information about our screening solutions please visit https://www.activescreening.com/solutions/.
*The article referenced in this blog can be found here:
http://www.thesylvaherald.com/top_stories/article_256ce840-74c3-11e3-9f8f-0019bb30f31a.html